Silky Dark Chocolate Orange Mousse
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of this Silky Dark Chocolate Orange Mousse, inspired by traditional Austrian dessert-making. This decadent mousse combines rich semi-sweet chocolate with luscious heavy whipping cream, complemented by a hint of warm cinnamon and the refreshing zest of orange. The absence of gelatin results in a delightful creamy texture that will melt in your mouth, making it a perfect finish to any meal or a delightful treat for special occasions. Let it chill for at least 2 hours to achieve the optimal consistency, and elevate your serving with vibrant ribbons of orange zest and fragrant mint leaves for a visually stunning presentation.
4
Servings
375
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
semi-sweet chocolate chips
8 ounces (measured)
heavy whipping cream
2 cups (divided into two portions)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (divided)
unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons (for dusting)
orange zest
grated zest of one orange (for flavoring and garnish)
mint leaves
for garnish (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat one-third of the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and fully incorporated.
2
Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and the grated orange zest into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s well combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whip the remaining heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully pour the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped cream.
4
Using a spatula, gently fold the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream; continue until just combined.
5
Evenly distribute the mousse into four dessert bowls. Use a tea strainer to dust the tops with the remaining cinnamon and cocoa powder for an elegant touch.
6
Cover the bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to set.
7
When ready to serve, garnish each mousse with a swirl of orange zest ribbons and a few fresh mint leaves for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
27g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silky Dark Chocolate Orange Mousse?
It is a decadent Austrian-inspired dessert that combines semi-sweet chocolate with heavy whipping cream, cinnamon, and orange zest for a rich and creamy finish.
Does this recipe contain gelatin?
No, this mousse recipe is gelatin-free and relies on whipped cream to achieve its silky texture.
How long should I refrigerate the mousse before serving?
You should chill the mousse for at least 2 hours, though leaving it in the refrigerator overnight provides the best consistency.
What type of chocolate is recommended for this mousse?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips to balance the sweetness and richness.
Can I substitute milk chocolate for the semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate, but keep in mind the mousse will be significantly sweeter and have a milder chocolate flavor.
How do I properly melt the chocolate chips for this recipe?
Heat one-third of the heavy cream until warm, remove it from the heat, then stir in the chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 4 individual dessert servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of the Silky Dark Chocolate Orange Mousse contains approximately 375 calories.
Can this dessert be prepared in advance?
Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead dessert since it requires at least 2 hours of chilling time to set.
What is the best way to garnish the mousse?
Garnish with ribbons of orange zest, fresh mint leaves, and a light dusting of cocoa powder and cinnamon.
How do I ensure the whipped cream reaches stiff peaks?
Start with very cold heavy whipping cream and a chilled bowl, then whip until the cream is thick enough to stand up straight when the beaters are lifted.
Is a hand mixer necessary for this recipe?
While not strictly required, a hand mixer or stand mixer makes whipping the cream to stiff peaks much easier.
Is this chocolate mousse recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should always verify the labels on your chocolate chips and cocoa powder.
What gives this mousse its Austrian-inspired flavor?
The inclusion of warm ground cinnamon paired with dark chocolate and citrus is a classic flavor profile in traditional Austrian desserts.
Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange zest?
You can use a small amount of orange extract if fresh oranges are unavailable, but the zest provides a superior fresh flavor and texture.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of fat, largely from the heavy whipping cream and chocolate.
How should I store leftover mousse?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this chocolate mousse for later?
Freezing is not recommended as it can compromise the delicate, airy texture of the whipped cream mixture.
What should I do if my chocolate seizes?
To prevent seizing, ensure no water touches the chocolate and do not boil the cream; if it seizes, it may be difficult to recover for a smooth mousse.
Is it possible to melt the chocolate in a microwave?
Yes, you can melt the chips with the cream in a microwave using short 20-second bursts and stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
No, this recipe contains heavy whipping cream, which is a dairy product.
What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?
There is no direct dairy-free substitute that whips exactly like heavy cream, though some high-fat coconut creams can be used with varying results.
How do I fold the chocolate into the cream without deflating it?
Use a spatula to gently cut through the center of the cream and lift it over the chocolate, rotating the bowl until just combined.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, folding in crushed hazelnuts or almonds can add a delightful crunch to the silky mousse.
What role does cinnamon play in the flavor?
Cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and complexity that enhances the natural bitterness and sweetness of the dark chocolate.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: semi-sweet chocolate chips, heavy whipping cream, cinnamon, cocoa powder, orange zest, and mint.
Is the cocoa powder mixed into the mousse?
No, the cocoa powder is intended for dusting the top of the dessert for an elegant and professional finish.
How many dessert bowls will this recipe fill?
The recipe is measured to fill four standard-sized dessert bowls or ramekins.
Can I use blood oranges instead of regular oranges?
Yes, blood orange zest works beautifully and adds a unique citrus depth and color to the garnish.
Why shouldn't I boil the heavy whipping cream?
Boiling can scorch the cream or cause the fat to separate, which would ruin the smooth consistency of the melted chocolate base.